Challenging Manzanita Trail Loop.

September 24-Manzanita Trail Loop. This is a difficult trail with several steep climbs for the first 3.5 miles. It is about 12 miles with about 1500’ gain. The views of the Santa Clarita Valley are spectacular, and if it is a clear day you will be able to see Catalina Island from the top. Once you are at the top of Manzanita Canyon, you will traverse Santa Clarita Canyons, visit the Wild land Fire station (Camp 9) for lunch, then descend into Walker Ranch and return to the Nature Center via the Canyon Trail. You will see Oak Woodlands, Riparian areas, desert scrub, beautiful views of the SCV and the SFV, and 3 Nike missile cites from the 1950s. Bring: Camera, lunch, snacks, lots of water, electrolytes, poles, good shoes with lots of tread. If it is cold, dress in layers and bring a warmer jacket for the top. Directions to Trail head: Take the SR-14 to the Placerita Canyon exit. If you’re coming from Valencia, turn right on Placerita Canyon. Proceed about 2 miles until you see a wooden sign on the right that says “Placerita Natural Area”. Turn into this driveway. Park near the building and look to the right of the drive for the wooden trail head sign. We will meet at this sign at 8:00 for an 8:15 departure. Leader: Dianne